Politics

Brexit is a smouldering wreck after Theresa May's deal suffered the worst defeat in House of Commons history. But out of the ashes, a string of radically different Plan B options are taking shape - and will wrestle for control in the Commons. The Prime Minister's own Plan B will go head to head with plans from Remain-backing MPs that could delay Brexit or stop it altogether. Labour wants to leave with a customs union, while other Remainers want to force a second EU referendum. Importantly, MPs will hold a vote on some of these options at 7pm on Tuesday 29 January - giving Theresa May a "mandate" to return to the EU. Although the vote on her "neutral motion" isn't binding - what would be called an "indicative vote" - it will spell the way forward. So what are the biggest amendments that have been proposed so far and what will they do? Here's our rolling guide, which we'll continue to update as the vote draws near. Theresa May's Plan B: Rework the Irish 'backstop' and go back to EU in … [Read more...] about Brexit plan B explained

Theresa May's controversial former aide Nick Timothy has been handed an influential role helping to organise the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The decision by Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright to appoint the Prime Minister's former Downing Street chief-of-staff immediately prompted accusations of cronyism. Mr Timothy, the architect of Mrs May's Brexit red lines who was branded 'toxic' by Tory MPs after her disastrous 2017 election campaign, was born in the Midlands city. He has criticised Tory Remainer MPs for "sabotaging" the UK's decision to leave the EU and suggested that the PM has lost control of the process. Labour MP Martin Whitfield said: "This is a blatant example of 'jobs for the boys'. Handing Nick Timothy a plum job like this is clearly a reward for his attacks on Tory Remainers."I'm sure he will deliver the same success to the games that he did for Brexit and the Tories." Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds was also made a non-executive director of the organising … [Read more...] about Theresa May’s former aide handed plum role helping to put on Commonwealth Games

Theresa May has not ruled out delaying the day that the UK leaves the EU beyond March 29. With the clock ticking a number of MPs have suggested an extension to try and find a solution parliament can agree on. She was forced to come and update the Commons on her plan B after suffering the worst ever defeat for a sitting Prime Minister on her Brexit deal. Despite talks with opposition MPs - excluding the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - Mrs May has so far failed to build a consensus. But despite talking down the benefits of an extension, she refused to rule it out. Tory former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab called on the Prime Minister to rule out revoking or extending Article 50 in order to "give businesses certainty and the public some finality". Mrs May responded: "What I'm working for is to find a deal that will secure the support of this House such that we can leave and will leave the European Union on March 29." Later in the debate Labour's Rachel Reeve's told the Prime … [Read more...] about Theresa May does not rule out delaying EU exit beyond March 29

Labour has launched a bid to stop no deal Brexit and shape the UK's future relationship with the EU. Jeremy Corbyn's party has tabled an amendment which calls for Parliament to have a say on all the options. Two of those should include Labour's own Brexit plans which is a Norway plus style agreement and also the option for a second referendum or public voted. Keir Starmer boosted the hopes of Labour supporters of a second referendum at the weekend when he confirmed the party was now at the final stage of its Brexit plan as set out in its September conference. Labour believes its version of Brexit which would include a permanent customs union, relationship with the single market and alignment on rights and standards would command a majority in the House of Commons. Party sources say the amendment is in line with the party's conference motion agreed in September. In recent weeks the leadership has insisted that "all options remain on the table". But there are a growing number of Labour … [Read more...] about Labour launches bid to give MPs a say on their Brexit deal and second referendum

UK officials have confirmed the process EU citizens must go through to remain in Britain after Brexit . More than 3.5million EU citizens in the UK will have to use the EU Settlement Scheme if they want to stay beyond June 2021. Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd infamously claimed it would be “as easy as setting up an online account at LK Bennett” - a posh shoe shop. And Home Secretary Sajid Javid said it will be "simple and straightforward" adding: "We will be looking to grant, not for reasons to refuse." So what do we know about the rights available to EU citizens in the UK, and how will they change? Here’s everything we know, including the costs, deadlines, and how to apply - plus what happens if there's a No Deal Brexit. If there IS a Brexit deal agreed by 29 March 2019 I'm an EU citizen. Can I stay in the UK? In a word: Yes. If there is a Brexit deal, Britain and Brussels have agreed EU nationals can continue arriving, working and settling in the UK more or less as … [Read more...] about Everything EU citizens need to do to stay in the UK after Brexit